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What's better than grilling hot dogs outside on a summer afternoon? Having some of Chicago's best chefs make hot dogs for you, as you and other hot dog enthusiasts consider which one is the most delicious over a few drinks.

Join Gapers Block for their Hot Dog Cookoff on July 13 from 2 to 7pm in the parking lot at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., and you'll get to taste new interpretations of the classic red hot. Participating chefs will all start with Vienna Beef hot dogs, but can use them in any way imaginable. Perhaps there will be hot dog sushi, or even a smoked BBQ dog. What about a corn dog cake pop? We have no idea what they'll come up with, but we have a feeling it will go beyond mustard and relish and we think you should be there to taste it.

One $20 ticket gets you tasting portions of all the chefs' creations and the chance to rub shoulders with Chicago's hot dog authorities. Children 12 and under are $10. Plus, there will be a cash bar featuring drink specials courtesy of Old Style, bags (or do you say cornhole?), raffle prizes and more.

And if that weren't enough, the proceeds will benefit Reach Out and Read Illinois, a pediatric early literacy organization that prepares America's youngest children to read by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together. So for once, you can feel good about hot dogs and day drinking... because, you know, it's for the kids.

By Brandy Gonsoulin

In 2009, food blogging, social media and Yelp were gaining popularity, and America's revered gastronomic magazine Gourmet shuttered after 68 years in business. Former Cook's Illustrated editor-in-chief Chris Kimball followed with an editorial, stating that "The shuttering of Gourmet reminds...Read this feature »